Health Groups Receive £86,000 Boost

Shoppers at Lincolnshire Co-op branches have raised over £86,000 for two health charities which will help provide vital services.

The huge sum was raised by Dividend card holders between March and May for local branches of Rethink Mental Illness, a provider of health services for people affected by severe mental illness and Headway, a charity providing support to people affected by brain injury.

Each charity was given a £43,000 cheque by Lincolnshire Co-op’s Head of Pharmacy Alastair Farquhar at a presentation at Newland Pharmacy in Lincoln.

“It’s a fantastic amount and will make such a difference to the people we support and their families,” said Headway Lincolnshire Trustee Jane Reams.

“Brain injuries are a hidden disability so having our logo in Lincolnshire Co-op stores has hopefully raised the profile of Headway and what we do to support people who have them.”

Rethink Mental Illness Head of Corporate Partnerships James Fletcher said: “We are thrilled that Lincolnshire Co-op has raised over £43,000 for our work with people affected by mental illness and their carers.

“This funding will do a huge amount to provide support to people in communities across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands.”

According to Headway’s Information and Support Worker Ann-Marie Smith, the charity will use the £43,000 they received to fund training, support groups and social days out for members.

“Our charity is all about showing that life doesn’t stop after a brain injury, and this donation will help us prove that,” said Ann-Marie.

Headway volunteer Hilary Liddle was also in attendance. Having sustained brain damage when she was 19 that was left undiagnosed for 34 years, she now uses her time to support others.

“I found Headway soon after I was told I had brain damage and now I volunteer so others can get the help I didn’t get for all those years,” she said.

The Community Champions scheme is one of the ways that Lincolnshire Co-op’s gives back to the community. Every time a member shops at an outlet using their dividend card, a donation goes to the chosen champion at that time.

Stores are currently raising money for Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts.